The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called the attention of legal practitioners and litigants to a recent public notice issued by the Supreme Court of Nigeria on February 4, 2025, concerning the transitional period for implementing Order 4, Rule 15 of the Supreme Court Rules, 2024.
As approved by the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, GCON, a 30-day grace period has been granted from February 10, 2025, to March 12, 2025. This period is intended to allow counsel and litigants who have not yet applied for an extension of time to file their processes in pending appeals.
The Supreme Court has made it clear that after this transitional period, no further applications for an extension of time will be entertained. Any party that fails to take necessary steps within the stipulated timeframe will be barred under the provisions of Order 4, Rule 15.
Legal practitioners and litigants are urged to take advantage of this opportunity to regularize their appeals and comply with the Rules. However, they must still pay all applicable default fees as prescribed. The concession does not waive financial obligations related to late filings, and parties are required to adhere strictly to all procedural requirements.
The NBA has advised legal practitioners to ensure compliance within the stipulated timeframe to avoid any negative impact on their pending appeals.